Bhagyashree Bhoyar became enamored with technology as a profession when she realized she could help create something bigger than herself and benefit others.
Swati Kadu felt inspired by the possibilities and her potential impact in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
Today, these women are fulfilling their career goals, and making a daily impact as engineering tech managers in NICE’s Pune, India office.
In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight how NICE is dedicated to valuing the contributions of women in tech and encouraging more women to enter the field.
More than 1,600 women have joined NICE in the last three years. Through support, education and innovation, NICE is helping them thrive and advance in their tech careers—and actively building a foundation for a new generation by mentoring girls and educating them on tech as a career.
“We must encourage girls to explore the wonders of STEM by pursuing activities, classes, internships, and mentors to grow their expertise and ignite their enthusiasm,” NICE CMO Einat Weiss said in Fast Company. “After all, from this generation of leaders will come the technological creativity companies need to compete effectively in the global marketplace.”
Challenges and opportunities
Active in IT for over 30 years, Meryl Sonon recalls how she was often the only woman in the room during meetings.
There are signs that’s changing as more women enter the field.
“Having differing opinions leads to more ideas and better solutions,” Sonon said. “I really appreciate working for NICE as they encourage women to grow their careers. We actively look to hire women and fill our open positions with good talent.”
Sonon, an Engineering Director based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has served as the NICE Women in Tech chairperson since its inception six years ago. The NICE Women in Tech (WIT) program is one of our active initiatives to celebrate the success of women in tech. Throughout the year, NICE offers global opportunities to connect women throughout the company at fireside chats, book clubs, luncheons and other local events.
“Our mission is to promote diversity at NICE by encouraging women in the tech field, and supporting their career growth and aspirations,” Sonon said. “NICE strives to be a leader in inspiring women and all people of diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals. We are stronger as a team when we have a wide array of views and perspectives.”
Through the Code:Coda program, NICE has exposed teens to the world of technology and potential mentors. To date in Israel, 60% of girls who went through the program have selected computer science as their high school major.
“NICE continues to build programs that support women and inclusion. As part of our vision and values related to diversity and inclusion and women in technology, we have expanded reach and programs,” said Tina Roper, Global Employee Experience Manager, NICE.
And our work has earned industry recognition. In 2022, NICE was named to the Shatter List for the fifth year in a row. The Shatter List is sponsored by the Women Tech Council and recognizes technology companies creating and enacting practices and cultures that work to remove the glass ceiling. Women in Tech is currently active in the U.S., Bolivia, India and the Philippines—and has plans to grow around the world. In India, there was a “NICE HER” recruiting event specifically for women.
We have been celebrating International’s Women’s Day each March at a global level to showcase those trailblazing women in leadership positions.
“The focus and intention around this is to inspire and encourage other female developers and those in technical positions to see that there is great opportunity for career advancement, and we want to encourage more of that advancement,” Roper said.
A recent Women in Tech-sponsored event in India
Meet Two Engineering Tech Managers
We recently caught up with two members of Women in Tech India, who shared more about their career journeys. Bhagyashree Bhoyar and Swati Kadu both serve as Tech Managers, Engineering, CX, based in Pune, India. They recently presented an inspiring virtual and in-person session of our running SheTalks series for other NICE employees.
Tell me more about your role at NICE.
Bhagyashree Bhoyar: I’m currently a Tech Manager at NICE, where I’ve had the opportunity to manage an entire initiative and prove my mettle. I’ve benefited from the continuous guidance and support from my leaders during my 5 ½ years with NICE.
I started my journey as a Senior Specialist Quality Engineer and moved to the role of manager thanks to NICE’s program supporting internal advancement.
I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders and guides at NICE who identified my potential – even when I couldn't see it – and encouraged me to try for my current role.
Swati Kadu: Currently, I’m Tech Manager on the Platform Tenant Management team after 6 years with NICE. I manage the deliverables for Tenant Management and UserHub services, which are one of the core platform services. I was proud to receive a Silver Inventor badge from NICE for having seven patents filed and enjoy serving as a mentor for aspiring innovators.
What’s an interesting project you’re excited to work on in 2023? Or something you worked on in 2022?
Bhoyar: In 2022, I worked on many exciting projects including a real-time guidance integration where a supervisor was able to monitor and judge the call. We also did digital channel integration with multiple providers.
Kadu: In 2023, we have numerous projects planned to further our robust CX capabilities.
When did you first become interested in tech?
Bhoyar: I am a graduate in electronics and wanted to learn more about what happens behind the scenes in all the software that we use, so I got involved in computer and programming. I decided to learn some technical programming language and took admission for C-DAC (The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in India). I began my journey from there.
Kadu: I first became interested in tech at an early age. In fact, I opted for computer science as an elective subject in my higher secondary education.
How did you know that was a career you’d like to pursue?
Bhoyar: Seeing the power of technological advancements, I became enamored with the idea of creating something that has a such big reach and can be beneficial to so many people. That concept is what drew me to the career and made me realize this is what I wanted to do going forward.
Kadu: I was already studying computer science in school and was very keen to explore this subject further as I felt passionate about the possibilities. I decided to earn a degree in the same subject and pursue a career in tech to make an impact. I’m proud that’s exactly what I’ve been able to do at NICE.
If given the opportunity, what career advice would you share with your younger self?
Bhoyar: Having the right attitude matters the most. A positive outlook and the attitude to learn will take you a long way and will always come in handy. Finding a solution to a challenge is the best path to accomplishing a goal.
Kadu: Start early, explore various subjects and pursue the one you are truly curious about. Choose subjects in school that can keep you really hooked and make you keen to explore more.
Having a career in a topic you’re interested in will take you to great heights plus your journey will be more gratifying.
What do you think would get more girls interested in tech as a career?
Bhoyar: Introducing tech to girls at an early age would go a long way to helping them get comfortable with the idea of forging ahead with a career in technology.
Girls today are very familiar with smartphones and tablets, but they rarely go beyond exploring these devices for more personal use. There are some exceptions to this but understanding the workings of the technology used in their day-to-day lives will help them know what happens behind the scenes.
Kadu: Early introduction to the subject and more exposure to the tech world by participating in various tech events and competitions can help more girls take an interest in tech as a career.
I think greater representation would go a long way to encourage girls to at least consider a career in tech. Our industry should continue to create a space for women leaders who can act as role models for young girls.
Gender gap background
Why is there a persistent gender gap in STEM fields? Factors include cultural and societal norms, a lack of representation and mentorship, and barriers to education and career advancement.
Addressing the gender gap in STEM fields is crucial for promoting diversity, equality and innovation.
Women have long played a role in the advance of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Yet they’re entering the fields in fewer numbers than their male counterparts—and girls may not even have STEM on their radar as a career option.
The gender gap has decreased in recent years but women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields globally. Women make up just 28% of graduates in engineering and 40% of those in computer sciences – skills vital for the jobs of the future, found a 2021 UNESCO science report. Women also account for just 22% of people working in artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide, the report said.
As the women above shared, NICE is working to narrow the gender gap through worldwide initiatives, programs and recruitment, as well as promoting talented women from within.